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Rustic Yule Log Cake

This rustic yule log cake features a light chocolate sponge rolled with your favorite filling, dusted with cocoa or powdered sugar for a festive touch. Embracing imperfections, it showcases uneven cracks and a charming, homemade appearance. The final texture is tender, moist, and beautifully inviting, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Festive
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Clean tea towel
  • Sifter
  • Offset spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs fresh for lighter sponge
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract for variation
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour sifted to avoid lumps
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted with flour

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for an even bake.
    Preheat your oven to 180°
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly fluffy, about 5 minutes. It should feel warm and look velvety.
    whisk eggs and sugar together
  • Gently sift together flour and cocoa powder, then carefully fold them into the egg mixture using a spatula. Do this gently to keep the batter airy and light.
    Carefully sift the flour over the batter
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with an offset spatula to create a smooth, thin layer.
    Pour the batter into the prepared tray
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge feels springy and pulls away slightly from the edges. The top should be lightly browned with a chocolaty aroma.
    Bake for 12-15 minute
  • Once baked, invert the hot sponge onto a clean, cocoa-dusted tea towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, revealing the moist cake surface.
    invert the sponge onto a damp towel dusted
  • While still warm, roll the sponge gently with the towel from the short end, forming a tight cylinder. This helps set the shape and keeps it flexible for filling.
    Spread the warmed spiced
  • Allow the rolled sponge to cool completely, about 30 minutes, to prevent cracking when unrolling.
  • Unroll the cooled sponge carefully and spread your chosen filling evenly over the surface. Leave a small border around the edges for easier rolling.
  • Re-roll the sponge gently without the towel, pressing lightly to seal the edges. The rustic cracks and uneven surface add charm, so don’t worry about imperfections.
    Allow the rolled sponge
  • Dust the log with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a festive finish. Decorate with additional seasonal touches if desired.
    Spread the creamy frosting
  • Chill the finished cake for at least an hour to set the filling and enhance flavors. Slice with a serrated knife, revealing the beautiful, rustic spiral, and enjoy!
    Decorate as desired with festive

Notes

Embrace the imperfections—cracks and uneven edges are part of the rustic charm. For a more polished look, you can smooth the surface with additional frosting or ganache.